Residency Programs

Develop your expertise

We’re proud to say that our postgraduate programs are considered some of the strongest and most stable in the country. As a resident within the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, you’ll benefit from a well-organized program with an abundance of clinical material, excellent surgical experience and a dedicated teaching faculty.

As a graduate, you’ll join the ranks of our well-regarded alumni, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to the quality of ophthalmic care in Atlantic Canada.

Curriculum

PGY1
This first year will give you the general clinical background you’ll need as an ophthalmological resident. In addition to three months of dedicated ophthalmological study and the six-week national basic sciences course you’ll attend, you’ll also rotate through a variety of medical and surgical areas, including neurosciences, pediatrics and ophthalmology, in preparation for the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examinations Part II.

PGY2
You’ll start your second year with a series of weekly summer lectures and workshops designed to give you an adequate level of comfort and expertise in the management of ophthalmological emergencies. Early on, you’ll also participate in introductory courses and an orientation evening on research.

The rest of the year will be spent providing ambulatory care to eye patients at the Eye Care Centre, rotating through general and sub-specialty clinics—including minor surgery. You’ll also begin a research project that will carry through the remaining four years of the program.

PGY3
Your third year will involve rotations through the sub-specialty services at the Eye Care Centre and the pediatric service at the IWK Health Centre. You’ll also start to participate in ocular surgery and continue your research.

PGY4
This year places a heavy emphasis on surgery experience, including modern surgical techniques like cataract surgery. As a resident, you’ll provide consultation to the QEII Hospital and IWK Health Centre. A community-based rotation is included.

PGY5
In your fifth year, you’ll continue to rotate through general and sub-specialty services to prepare you for specific career opportunities and the Royal College Exams. You’ll also participate in elective periods where you’ll seek training and experience outside of Halifax. You’ll continue gaining surgical experience and be given opportunities for research.

Research

The minimum requirement for research is:

• a presentation for the annual Research Day forum
• at least one peer-reviewed publication

Contact us

Need more information on postgraduate studies? Get in touch.

Address:
Postgraduate Medical Education
Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
1276 South Park Street
2W Victoria, Room 2035
Halifax, NS  B3H 2Y9